Page 173 of The Seven Rings
“I believe she does. More, I believe she fears what the four of us have together. That loyalty and love. She can’t beat those. Maybe it’s a standoff until we figure out how to get the rings, but she can’t beat what we have together.”
She looked down the hall before they went in the bedroom and thought of long, strong friendships and love that bloomed big and bright.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Sonya and Cleo waited a couple of days to give the new family time to settle in. When they paid their visit, bearing gifts, Corrine opened the door.
“Perfect timing. Seth’s just changing the baby so she’s fed and fresh for company. They’re all back in the great room.”
“How’s everyone doing?” Sonya asked.
“Amazing, honestly. Kate and I take shifts, but they barely need us.”
“And how about you, Nana?”
Corrine beamed at Cleo as they walked. “I’ll tell you, you think you’ll never experience that breathless sunburst of love you feel when, a new mother, you hold your child the first time. But you do.”
When they walked into the great room, Seth held the baby while Anna sat on the couch folding impossibly small socks.
“I don’t care what they say, Anna, she’s smiling at me.”
“Because she loves her daddy. It says so right on her outfit,” Anna pointed out.
In addition to the little pink hat and socks, Fiona wore a white onesie with the sentimentI LOVE MY DADDYinside a pink heart.
“Daddy needs to share,” Cleo proclaimed, and walked to him.
Lighting up, Anna pushed herself off the couch. “Oh, I’m so glad you came! We’ve been waiting to show her off.”
“Wait no more. Can I hold her? Please?” Cleo held out her arms.
“You have to be really careful to support her head.”
“This ain’t my first precious, Daddy.”
“Cleo’s a baby magnet,” Sonya told them.
“It’s true. I am.”
Sonya walked around the couch, set down the basket, then hugged Anna. “You look amazing.”
“Sleep-deprived, foggy-brained, and loving it.”
Cradling the baby, swaying, Cleo didn’t even glance up. “Of course you are. She’s perfect. Excellent work, team.” She brushed a light kiss over the baby’s forehead. “And we adore each other already, don’t we, Fiona Kate Miller?”
“I need a turn.”
“In a minute. We’re reminiscing.”
Watching them like a hawk, Seth frowned. “You know, it sort of looks like they are. She’s looking right at you.”
“To my way of thinking, we’ve all been around before.”
“That should be spooky.” He considered. “But it’s kind of sweet.”
“Just think of it as continuity. All right, your turn, but only because I love you, too.”
“Oh.” With the baby in her arms, Sonya stroked a finger down one silky cheek. “She’s just… wow. And look at these long legs!” Then she laughed, glanced at Seth. “She does smile. Don’t listen to anyone who says different. She has a beautiful smile. And I hereby vow there will always be cookies at the manor.”
